African Burial Ground
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* African Burial Ground National Monument: A 6.6-acre burial ground where free and enslaved Africans were buried from the 1690s until 1794. The site, now administered by the National Park Service, features an outdoor memorial and a visitors center and exhibitions, dedicated to teaching visitors about Africans of early New York and Americans of African descent.
* Federal Hall National Memorial: Known as the “Birthplace of American Government,” this is the site where George Washington took the first oath of office, and was home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. Today, it is a museum and memorial to George Washington and the beginnings of the United States. Tours led by National Park Service Rangers will be offered from 4:00 through 7:00 pm. Meet George Washington, see a special map display of the City in the 18th century, and hear Linda Russell present Early American Music from 4:00 to 7:30 pm. 26 Wall Street. For more information, please browse: www.nps.gov/feha/index.htm
* Fraunces Tavern Museum: A landmark museum and tavern in what is claimed to be Manhattan’s oldest surviving building and where George Washington bade his farewell to the troops had led during the War of Independence. The Museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history of the American Revolutionary era. Special Exhibitions include, “Confidential: The American Revolution’s Agents of Espionage.” Visitors can also enjoy live 18th-century music and dance lessons provided by the Tricorne Dance Ensemble. 54 Pearl Street. For more information, please browse: www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/
* Lower Manhattan Tours: Takes visitors through the historic capital of world finance: the one-square-mile of Lower Manhattan known as “Wall Street.” Mini-Walking Tours (half-hour duration) will take place every 30 minutes, from 4:00 through 7:00 pm. Tour meeting point will be 55 and 57 Wall Street between William and Hanover Streets. Tours meet in front of 55 and 57 Wall Street and end at one of the museums or historic sites participating in Night at the Museums. Tours will fill up quickly, and while a small number of slots will be held for walk-ups, anyone wishing to participate is urged to reserve a free tour in advance at: www.LowerManhattanTours.com
* Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is New York’s contribution to the global responsibility to never forget. The museum is committed to the crucial mission of educating diverse visitors about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. On view — in addition to the permanent Core Exhibition and sculptor Andy Goldsworthy’s “Garden of Stones” — are three special exhibitions: “Memory Unearthed: The Lodz Ghetto Photographs of Henryk Ross,” “New Dimensions in Testimony” (created by University of South California Shoah Foundation), and “The Number on Great-Grandpa’s Arm.” 36 Battery Place. For more information, please browse: www.mjhnyc.org
* National Archives at New York City: Connect to New York history by engaging with costumed historical interpreters to learn about democracy in action, the women’s suffrage movement and more. Visit the Learning Center to discover the many national treasures of New York. Go on an “Archival Adventure,” pull archival facsimile documents off the shelves, and participate in other learning activities. In the Welcome Center, view original documents that explore records related to the Vietnam War, and begin a journey through family history in the Research Center by examining immigrant arrivals (including Ellis Island), federal census and naturalization (citizenship) records, plus much more. Giveaways include tattoos, pencils and National Archives pins, while supplies last. One Bowling Green, across from Battery Park. For more information, please browse: www.archives.gov/nyc
* National Museum of the American Indian — Smithsonian Institution:Illuminates the diversity of Native peoples of the Americas, from the Arctic Circle to the southern tip of Patagonia. Activities and programming include the newly opened imagiNATIONS Activity Center, a family-friendly, interactive learning environment where the focus is Native innovations throughout history that shape the modern world. One Bowling Green, across from Battery Park. For more information, please browse: www.AmericanIndian.si.edu
* National September 11 Memorial & Museum: The country’s principal institution concerned with exploring the implications of the events of September 11, 2001, documenting the impact of those events, and exploring their continuing significance. Free admission is from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, with the last admission two hours prior to closing. Tickets are not available in advance and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the museum starting at 4:00 pm. For more information, please browse: www.911memorial.org
* 9/11 Tribute Museum: Created by the September 11th Families Association, the Museum offers visitors a place where they can connect with people from the September 11 community: survivors, family members of lost loved ones, first responders, recovery workers, and people who live and work in Lower Manhattan. Visitors will learn about the historic events of that day, along with the personal experiences, the unprecedented rescue and recovery operations, and the tremendous spirit of support and generosity that arose after the attacks. 92 Greenwich Street, at the corner of Rector Street. For more information, please browse 911tributemuseum.org
* New York City Municipal Archives: Holds New York City Government’s historical records, including the NYC Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) database, which preserves and provides public access to historical records and information about New York City government. Its collections date from 1645 to the present. Records include office records, manuscripts, still and moving images, vital records, maps, blueprints and sound recordings. 31 Chambers Street, between Centre and Elk Streets. For more information, please browse: www.nyc.gov/records
* Poets House Houses a 70,000-volume poetry library and exhibitions that focus on the physical and visual expression of poetry. View archival materials from Poets House’s history, including handwritten correspondence from legendary poets and writers. Participate in a literary scavenger hunt, in which visitors will be given popular poems with several words missing and asked to find the poems within the books of Poets House’s extensive library. 10 River Terrace, at the corner of Murray Street. For more information, please browse: www.poetshouse.org
* The Skyscraper Museum: Celebrates New York City’s rich architectural heritage and examines the historical forces and individuals that have shaped its skylines. Visit the museum and join the Curator’s Tour, led by founding director Carol Willis, of the special exhibition, “MILLENNIUM: Lower Manhattan in the 1990s,” at 5:00 pm. 39 Battery Place, at the corner of First Place. For more information, please browse: www.skyscraper.org
* South Street Seaport Museum: Dedicated to telling the story of “Where New York Begins,” and the rise of New York as a port city and its critical role in the development of the United States. The Museum uses its historic buildings and ships to provide interactive exhibits, education and unique visitor experiences. Exhibits include “Millions: Migrants and Millionaires Aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914” (in the main museum building at 12 Fulton Street). At Pier 16, tour the 19th-century sailing ship Wavertree and the lightship Ambrose (limited availability; registration on-site). For Night at the Museums exclusively, Bowne & Co., located at 209-211 Water Street, will highlight selected examples that show the breadth and brilliance of 19th-century letterpress printing, demonstrated with equipment not regularly on public view. 12 Fulton Street, between Front and South Streets. For more information, please browse: www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org
Night at the Museums is produced by the Downtown Cultural Association and is part of the River to River Festival 2018, featuring free arts events from June 15 to 24 throughout Lower Manhattan. For details, visit LMCC.net.